Katie Taylor's bid to unify titles continues Friday

Irish sensation Katie Taylor, Maxboxing’s 2018 female “Fighter of the Year,” returns to action this Friday night against Rose Volante at the Liacouras Center in Philadelphia, PA.

The IBF and WBA world champion fought four times last year, winning all including one by stoppage. Taylor, the 2012 Olympic gold medalist, won her first world title in her seventh professional fight by boxing the ears off game Anahi Ester Sanchez. Six months later, she added the IBF belt by defeating Victoria Noelia Bustos.

Taylor (12-0, 5 KOs) can add another title to her growing collection by defeating WBO champion Volante. The undefeated Brazilian fighter is not intimidated by Taylor’s reputation.

She plans to take the fight to Taylor.

“I’m going to attack her too,” Volante (14-0, 8 KOs) told Jerry Stapleton of www.irish-boxing.com

“She always takes the initiative in her fights because the opponents are on the back foot. This time it will be different because I will be looking to fight,” she added before noting that Taylor’s greatest strength could also be a weakness.

A fair point. Taylor likes to mix it up. With advantages in foot and hand speed, the pride of Bray, Ireland, could easily box behind her jab, but Taylor, 32, can be tenacious.

Volante likes this.

“The thing is,” explained Volante, “is that when you attack all the time you are going to get hit.”

Taylor’s dream is to unify the light weight division.

"I’ve got the opportunity to win a third world title with this fight,” said Taylor to ESPN a few weeks ago. “Then there might be the chance for a fight with all four titles on the line."

That fight would be against WBC titleholder Delfine Persoon, winner of 43 of 44 bouts on the undercard of the Anthony Joshua – Jarrell Miller showdown June 1 first in New York Ciy. Taylor also desires a bout with multi-world champion Amanda Serrano. That one could down near the end of the year, but first Taylor has to get by Volante who she refuses to take for granted.

"She’s a great fighter, a great champion, she’s undefeated," said Taylor. "I know she’s very, very strong. She has a big right hand, she’s very dangerous.I know this is going to be a tough fight. She’s a very proud champion as well, so I am prepared for this type of challenge.”